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'See You Later' by Sal Page

Shirley was making Bakewell tarts when the bed arrived. Wiping her hands on a tea towel, she rushed to open the door of her new house. The deliveryman with the laughing eyes stepped inside, commenting on the delicious smell. Shirley smiled and indicated towards the kitchen door.

‘Will you try one?’

He grinned and shook his head. His eyes dulled slightly as he patted his stomach, regretfully.

‘Oh, I’m sure you burn it all off lugging furniture around.’

‘Better not. Up here is it?’

Shirley watched as he and his serious looking mate hauled the bed upstairs.

‘You having a brew?’

‘Thanks, but we’re in a rush. We’ll just grab the mattress. Just moved in?’

‘Yes.’

He ripped off the plastic, pushed the bed into position then squeezed past Shirley leaning in the doorway, her hand to her hair.

‘There you go.’

Shirley watched him as she followed him back downstairs. When he got to his van he bundled the packaging into the back and turned to wave to her.

‘See you later.’

Shirley’s waiting in her new house. She’s wearing a brand new dress and her hair is curled. There’s a beef casserole in the oven and a cheesecake in the fridge. Upstairs, the marshmallow memory foam mattress is topped with an emerald green silk covered duvet and smooth plumped up pillows.

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